Political activity in Madhya Pradesh has intensified ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly considering a third candidate despite lacking the numbers on its own. Party legislators have been instructed to remain in Bhopal until June 8, the final day for filing nominations, amid expectations that the political arithmetic could change at the last moment.

According to sources, the BJP has prepared documents for two potential candidates and is weighing the names of former MLA Jeetu Jirati and Vinod Gotiya for the third seat. However, the party has not officially announced any additional candidate so far. BJP has already nominated Tarun Chugh and Rajneesh Agrawal for two Rajya Sabha seats.

The instructions to MLAs came during a BJP Legislature Party meeting held at Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence on Saturday night. Senior leaders, including the Chief Minister, both deputy chief ministers, state in-charge Mahendra Singh and organisation general secretary Ajay Jamwal, attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Congress has maintained that all its legislators remain united behind Rajya Sabha nominee Meenakshi Natarajan.

Numbers Game in Focus

The effective strength of the 230-member Assembly currently stands at 228, making 58 votes necessary to secure one Rajya Sabha seat.

The BJP has 164 MLAs and requires 116 votes to comfortably win two seats. This leaves the party with 48 votes, meaning it would need at least 10 additional votes from outside its fold to secure a third seat.

Congress, whose effective strength is 63 MLAs, could reach 64 votes if it receives support from the Bharat Adivasi Party's lone legislator. That number is sufficient to elect one candidate.

Political observers say the BJP's strategy for a third seat would depend largely on cross-voting or support from opposition members.

War of Words Intensifies

The political atmosphere heated up after Congress MLA Babu Jandel claimed that all party legislators from the Gwalior-Chambal region remained united and would ensure the victory of Meenakshi Natarajan. He also issued a warning against defection, triggering a fresh exchange between the two camps.

At the Congress Legislature Party meeting, attended by 59 MLAs, members publicly expressed support for Natarajan. The party claimed that 62 of its 64 MLAs were firmly behind the candidate. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath joined the meeting virtually.

Natarajan said the truth behind the BJP's claims would become clear during the nomination process and described the contest as an ideological battle.

Leaders Trade Claims

State Congress president Jitu Patwari asserted that Meenakshi Natarajan would enter the Rajya Sabha "five lakh percent", while Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar accused the BJP of attempting to create confusion.

Addressing legislators virtually, Kamal Nath termed the election a matter of prestige for the Congress and urged leaders to consider it a collective fight.

On the other hand, BJP MLA Umakant Sharma claimed that several Congress leaders had not wholeheartedly supported Natarajan's candidature. He alleged that the decision to nominate her had been imposed by the Congress leadership and questioned the enthusiasm shown by senior leaders.

Final Day Crucial

With nominations set to close on June 8, both parties are keeping a close watch on developments. The BJP's decision on a third candidate and the possibility of cross-voting are expected to determine whether the contest remains straightforward or turns into a high-stakes political battle.